Our T’nalak Festival Night: A Crowded, Colorful and Lively Celebration and a Special Bonding Time with My In-Laws, In the Heart of South Cotabato

Hello everyone! I just want to share my fun experience about our bonding at T’nalak Festival in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. It was a happy and tiring night, but super worth it! I was with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, Nieces, my husband and daughter. This story is really special, because I was the one who invited them to come along.

Before we went to the plaza, we eat dinner first. We were all hungry and wanted to have energy. The best part? My brother-in-law, named Jhon Rey treated us for dinner. So generous! We had bulalo, lechon manok and barbecue. Everything was so delicious, especially the hot bulalo soup.

After eating, we didn’t go inside the plaza right away. We just sat and relaxed for a while because we were still full. We talked about life and some future plans, and trip, but I really enjoyed the moment. Sometimes, standing, sitting and talking beside highway is the best kind of bonding.

Later, we finally decided to enter the plaza. Wow, there were so many people everywhere! The line was long because there was a concert by the Elias Band, a popular band here in the Philippines.

Actually, our only plan was to take pictures at the festival booths. But because of the big crowd, we couldn’t take any pictures anymore. We just walked around, laughed and enjoyed the busy vibe. Even though it was very crowded, and our feet got tired, we were still happy. It was noisy and hot, but I didn’t mind. This kind of bonding with my in-laws doesn’t happen often. My nieces, Aya and Ashley, were with us too. Aya held my hand tightly, even though we were in the crowd was really overwhelming.

One of the cutest parts of the night was my daughter being so sweet to her Tito, she calls him “Papa Yan” and he carried her most of the time. We had to walk far, but her was happy to hold her. It made my heart smile. I’m thankful for how loving he is to my child.

My husband couldn’t join us inside the plaza. He stayed in the car because he was tired from working on the farm. He was also the one who drive us there. I understand him, And I’m very thankful he still brought us to the event even though he was exhausted.

At the end of the night, I realized that we don’t need a perfect plan to be happy. No pictures, no fancy things, just simple food and time with loved ones. This T’nalak Festival bonding reminded me how important family is.

We bought balut on the way home and enjoyed eating it together at my mother in law’s house, perfect way to end the fun night.

This is my owned picture, Edited in Canva.

Thank you for reading my story! I hope you also find time to enjoy little moments with your family. Life is short, so let’s make beautiful memories together.